connector

Abstract

The present application provides a connector capable of inhibiting looseness of a terminal. A connector 10 includes a housing 15 and a terminal 11 housed in the housing 15. The housing 15 has a first housing chamber 25 extending in a first direction and a second housing chamber 26 extending from the first housing chamber 25 in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The terminal 11 has a first terminal portion 16 housed in the first housing chamber 25 and a second terminal portion 17 housed in the second housing chamber 26. A caught portion 75 is provided on a surface of an outer surface of the first terminal portion 16 facing in a direction opposite to the second direction. A catching portion 37 caught by the caught portion 75 is provided on a surface of an inner surface of the first housing chamber of the housing 15 facing in the second direction. When the housing 15 is a single body, the catching portion can be visually confirmed through the second housing chamber 26.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to connectors. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a coaxial plug as a terminal. The coaxial plug is L-shaped and has a first cylindrical member and a second cylindrical member that are orthogonal to each other. A contact pin is disposed inside the first cylindrical member. A core wire connecting pin that can connect with the contact pin is disposed inside the second cylindrical member. The core wire connecting pin is connected to a coaxial cable. The coaxial cable is fixed to a cable fixing part. The coaxial plug is housed in a cover. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for connecting a first outer conductor and a second outer conductor in a suitable manner. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-12498 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-48414 Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] In the case of Patent Document 1, although the core wire connecting pin is supported by a coaxial cable extending from the cable fixing part, there is no structure in the cover for locking the coaxial plug. Therefore, the coaxial plug may become loose inside the cover.

[0005] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a connector capable of suppressing the loosening of terminals. Solution for solving the problem

[0006] The connector disclosed herein includes a housing and terminals housed within the housing. The housing has a first receiving chamber extending along a first direction and a second receiving chamber extending from the first receiving chamber into a second direction intersecting the first direction. The terminals have a first terminal portion housed in the first receiving chamber and a second terminal portion housed in the second receiving chamber. The second terminal portion is connected to the first terminal portion. A locking portion is provided on the outer surface of the first terminal portion facing a direction opposite to the second direction. A locking portion that locks with the locking portion is provided on the inner surface of the first receiving chamber of the housing facing the second direction. When the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion are in an unreceived state, i.e., when the housing is a single unit, the locking portion can be visually confirmed through the second receiving chamber. Invention Effects

[0007] According to this disclosure, a connector that can suppress the loosening of terminals can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of the connector according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the connector according to Embodiment 1. Figure 3 This is a side sectional view of the connector in Embodiment 1 when it is in a mating state with the other connector. Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the housing in the connector according to Embodiment 1. Figure 5 This is an enlarged front view of the main part of the housing in the connector of Embodiment 1. Figure 6 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the housing in the connector of Embodiment 1. Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the first outer conductor in the connector of Embodiment 1. Figure 8 This is an enlarged front view of the main part of the connector in Embodiment 1, showing the first terminal portion housed in the first storage chamber. Figure 9 This is an enlarged side sectional view of the main part of the connector in Embodiment 1, in which the first terminal portion is housed in the first storage chamber. Figure 10 In the connector of embodiment 1, from Figure 9 The enlarged side sectional view of the main part in the state where the second terminal is stored in the second storage chamber. Detailed Implementation

[0009] (Description of embodiments of this disclosure) The embodiments of this disclosure are first described by listing them. (1) The connector disclosed herein includes a housing and terminals housed in the housing. The housing has a first housing chamber extending along a first direction and a second housing chamber extending from the first housing chamber into a second direction intersecting the first direction. The terminals have a first terminal portion housed in the first housing chamber and a second terminal portion housed in the second housing chamber. The second terminal portion is connected to the first terminal portion. A locking portion is provided on the outer surface of the first terminal portion facing the direction opposite to the second direction. A locking portion that locks with the locking portion is provided on the inner surface of the first housing chamber of the housing facing the second direction. When the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion are in an unhoused state, i.e., when the housing is a single unit, the locking portion can be visually confirmed through the second housing chamber. By locking the locking portion with the locked portion, loosening of the first terminal portion relative to the housing is suppressed. For example, by holding the first terminal portion in a predetermined position without loosening relative to the housing, the connection between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion can be properly performed. Furthermore, since the locking part can be visually confirmed through the second storage chamber, a structure that does not produce undercuts in the housing can be achieved when molding the locking part using a mold. If an undercut is avoided, no demolding openings due to undercuts will be created on the surface of the housing, thus enabling waterproofing, for example, of connectors.

[0010] (2) Based on the connector described in (1) above, it is preferable that the locking portion is formed in a shape that protrudes in the second direction or is recessed in the second direction, and the locked portion is formed in a shape that is recessed in the second direction or protrudes in the second direction so as to be able to engage with the locking portion. Since the second terminal portion inserted into the second storage chamber can press the first terminal portion in the direction of deepening the engagement between the locking portion and the locked portion, the locking of the locking portion and the locked portion can be maintained.

[0011] (3) Based on the connector described in (2) above, it is preferable that a rib extending along the first direction is provided on the surface where the locking portion is provided, the locking portion is formed in a recessed shape such that a portion of the middle of the rib is cut off, a groove extending along the first direction is provided on the surface where the locking portion is provided, the locking portion is formed in a protruding shape such that a portion of the middle of the groove is filled, and the rib engages with the groove. By engaging the rib and the groove, rotation (tilt) of the first terminal portion relative to the housing in a direction intersecting the first direction can be suppressed. Since the locking portion is contained in the middle of the rib, the locking portion and the rib can be provided in the first terminal portion with good space efficiency. Similarly, since the locking portion is contained in the middle of the groove, the locking portion and the groove can be provided in the housing with good space efficiency.

[0012] (4) Based on the connector described in (3) above, a pair of guide portions extending side by side along the first direction may be provided on the surface where the locking portion is provided, and the groove portion is provided between the pair of guide portions. Since the groove is located between a pair of guides, the forming position, length, and depth of the groove can be arbitrarily adjusted according to the configuration and shape of each guide.

[0013] (5) Based on the connector described in any one of (1) to (4) above, it is preferred that the first terminal portion is a shielded terminal having a first inner conductor, a first dielectric and a first outer conductor, the first outer conductor being a conductive rigid body made of a die-casting part or a cutting part, and the locking portion being fixedly disposed on the first outer conductor in such a way that no hole is opened in the first outer conductor. Since it is possible to eliminate the need for opening a hole in the first outer conductor when providing the locking portion, the shielding performance of the first outer conductor can be ensured. Furthermore, the locking portion can be precisely positioned in the first outer conductor, for example, through casting or machining.

[0014] (Details of the embodiments disclosed herein) Specific examples of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, which are intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0015] (Implementation Method 1) The connector 10 in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure is a waterproof connector, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes a terminal 11, a sealing ring 12, a sealing plug 13, a sealing plug pressing member 14, and a housing 15. Figure 3 As shown, housing 15 is fitted with the other connector 100. The other connector 100 has a other housing 112 for holding the other terminal 111. In addition, connector 10 is also a shielded connector and is provided at the end of the shielded wire 200, which is a coaxial cable.

[0016] First, a brief description of the structure of connector 10 will be given. like Figure 1 As shown, terminal 11 is composed of a first terminal portion 16 and a second terminal portion 17, which are separate from each other. The first terminal portion 16 is electrically and mechanically connected to the shielded wire 200. Figure 3 As shown, the second terminal portion 17 is electrically connected to the opposite terminal 111. The first terminal portion 16 has a first inner conductor 18, a first dielectric 19, and a first outer conductor 21. The second terminal portion 17 has a second inner conductor 22, a second dielectric 23, and a second outer conductor 24.

[0017] The housing 15 has a first receiving chamber 25 and a second receiving chamber 26 that intersect each other. A first terminal portion 16 is inserted into and housed in the first receiving chamber 25. After the first terminal portion 16 is housed in the first receiving chamber 25, a second terminal portion 17 is inserted into and housed in the second receiving chamber 26. When the second terminal portion 17 is housed in the second receiving chamber 26, the first outer conductor 21 contacts and is electrically connected to the second outer conductor 24. Furthermore, when the second terminal portion 17 is housed in the second receiving chamber 26, the first inner conductor 18 contacts and is electrically connected to the second inner conductor 22. In the following detailed structural description, the direction in which the first terminal portion 16 and the second terminal portion 17 are connected is defined as front-to-back. Front-to-back is also the direction in which the housing 15 engages with the counterpart connector 100. The vertical direction is based on the vertical direction shown in each figure. Figures 1-3 The symbols X, Y, and Z represent the forward / backward, left / right, and up / down directions, respectively. These directional references are provided for convenience and may not necessarily be consistent with the directional references when the connector 10 is mounted on a vehicle (not shown).

[0018] Next, the detailed construction of connector 10 will be described. The housing 15 is made of synthetic resin. Viewed from the side, the housing 15 is L-shaped. The portion extending upwards and downwards in the L-shaped housing 15 forms the first part 27.

[0019] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the first part 27 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The cross-section of the outer periphery of the first part 27 (the cross-section obtained by cutting in a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction) is square. The first storage chamber 25 is formed inside the first part 27 in a shape extending in the vertical direction. The cross-section of the inner periphery of the first storage chamber 25 is circular. Figure 3 As shown, the lower end of the first storage chamber 25 is open on the lower end face of the first part 27. The upper end of the first storage chamber 25 is closed at a position near the upper end of the first part 27. A positioning recess 28 is provided on the inner upper surface (the downward-facing surface) of the upper end of the first storage chamber 25. The positioning protrusion 29 of the first terminal part 16, which will be described later, fits into the positioning recess 28.

[0020] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first part 27 has a protruding portion 31 for assembling the sealing plug press member 14 and a retaining portion 32. The protruding portions 31 are provided in pairs on the left and right outer surfaces of the lower end of the first part 27 in the front-rear direction. Each protruding portion 31 extends in the vertical direction and is arranged parallel to each other. The retaining portion 32 is disposed between the front and rear protruding portions 31 at the lower end of the first part 27.

[0021] The sealing plug 13 is made of silicone rubber or other rubber, such as... Figure 3As shown, it is housed in the lower part of the first storage chamber 25. The sealing plug 13 is fitted around the outer periphery of the sheath 211 of the shielded wire 200. The first part 27 and the sheath 211 are liquid-tightly sealed by the sealing plug 13.

[0022] The sealing plug pressing element 14 is made of synthetic resin. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the sealing plug press member 14 has a press member body 33 and a locking arm 34. The press member body 33 has a shape corresponding to the lower end of the first part 27. Figure 3 As shown, the pressing body 33 partially closes the opening at the lower end of the first part 27. The sealing plug 13 is prevented from falling downward from the first part 27 by the pressing body 33. The shielded wire 200 passes through the interior of the pressing body 33 from the first part 27 and is led downward. The locking arms 34 protrude upward in pairs from the left and right ends of the pressing body 33. Figure 2 As shown, the locking arm 34 is formed in a U-shaped loop. The sealing plug presser 14 is held in place by the retaining portion 32 embedded inside the locking arm 34, thereby locking it against the first portion 27. The locking arm 34 is positioned between the front and rear protrusions 31.

[0023] like Figure 6 As shown, the first part 27 of the housing 15 has a guide part 35, a groove part 36, a locking part 37 and a guide part connecting part 38 for assembling the first terminal part 16. Guide portions 35 are arranged in pairs in the left-right direction, protruding from the rear surface (the front-facing side of the rear end of the first storage chamber 25) of the upper part of the first portion 27. Each guide portion 35 extends vertically and is arranged parallel to each other. The lower end surface of each guide portion 35 slopes downwards towards the rear. The front surface of each guide portion 35 is arranged in both the vertical and left-right directions.

[0024] A groove 36 is formed between each guide portion 35. The inside of the groove 36 is also the rear surface of the first receiving chamber 25. The width of the groove 36 in the left-right direction is constant.

[0025] The locking portion 37 protrudes from the rear surface of the first receiving chamber 25. In this embodiment 1, the locking portion 37 is provided at the midpoint (middle portion) in the vertical direction of the groove 36, such that the portion is completely filled across its full width in the horizontal direction. Figure 3As shown, the amount by which the locking portion 37 protrudes from the rear surface of the first storage chamber 25 is smaller than the amount by which each guide portion 35 protrudes from the rear surface of the first storage chamber 25. The lower end face of the locking portion 37 opens downward through the groove 36. The lower end face of the locking portion 37 slopes downward more towards the rear. The upper end face of the locking portion 37 is arranged along the front-back direction and the left-right direction. The front surface of the locking portion 37 is arranged along the up-down direction and the left-right direction. The front surface of the locking portion 37 is arranged one step lower than the front surface of each guide portion 35.

[0026] like Figure 6 As shown, the guide connector 38 is formed on the rear surface of the first storage chamber 25, extending in the left-right direction to connect the upper ends of each guide 35 to each other. The upper end of the groove 36 is closed by the guide connector 38. The lower end surface of the guide connector 38 and the upper end surface of the locking part 37 are separated in the vertical direction by the upper part of the groove 36. The front surface of the guide connector 38 is arranged in both the vertical and left-right directions. The front surfaces of each guide 35 and guide connector 38 are continuous without any difference in height. The upper end of each guide 35 and guide connector 38 is connected to the inner upper surface of the first storage chamber 25. Figure 5 As shown, the guide portions 35, groove portions 36, and locking portions 37 can be visually confirmed from the front of the housing 15 in its stand-alone state without the assembly terminals 11 through the second storage chamber 26.

[0027] The housing 15 has a second part 39 that intersects with and is integrally connected to the first part 27. For example... Figures 3-5 As shown, the second part 39 is cylindrical and protrudes forward from the upper end of the first part 27. The cross-section of the outer periphery of the second part 39 (the cross-section obtained by cutting in a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction) is circular. The second storage chamber 26 is formed inside the second part 39 in a shape that extends in the front-rear direction. The cross-section of the inner periphery of the second storage chamber 26 is also circular except for the rear end. Figure 4 As shown, the rear end of the inner periphery of the second receiving chamber 26 is formed with a rectangular cutout 41 in a circular portion that is smaller in diameter than the front end. The cutout 41 is a protrusion 42 for preventing the second outer conductor 24 from rotating (see reference). Figure 1 (The part that passes through.)

[0028] like Figure 3 As shown, the rear end of the second storage chamber 26 communicates with the first storage chamber 25 inside the first part 27. That is, the first storage chamber 25 and the second storage chamber 26 intersect each other (here, they are orthogonal). In other words, the second storage chamber 26 is formed to extend forward from the upper end of the first storage chamber 25. The length of the second storage chamber 26 in the front-rear direction is shorter than the length of the first storage chamber 25 in the vertical direction.

[0029] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the housing 15 has a fitting cylindrical portion 43 surrounding the outer periphery of the second part 39. The fitting cylindrical portion 43 is provided in such a way that it covers both the first part 27 and the second part 39. The front end of the fitting cylindrical portion 43 is positioned further forward than the front end of the second part 39. The rear end of the fitting cylindrical portion 43 is positioned at the same front-rear position as the rear surface of the first part 27 (which is also the rear surface of the housing 15 as a whole).

[0030] A bulge 44, which appears as a door when viewed from the front, is provided at the upper end of the fitting cylinder portion 43. A locking arm 45 is provided inside the bulge 44. The locking arm 45 is supported by the left and right side walls of the bulge 44 and can elastically deform in the up and down directions with the support position as a fulcrum. The portion of the upper surface of the locking arm 45, excluding the front end, can be visually confirmed from above through the window 46 formed on the upper wall of the bulge 44.

[0031] like Figure 5 As shown, the housing 15 has a connecting portion 47 that connects the fitting cylindrical portion 43 to the second portion 39. The connecting portion 47 extends radially outward from the second portion 39 and is also connected to the left and right sides of the first portion 27. The space located between the fitting cylindrical portion 43 and the second portion 39, and forward of the connecting portion 47, is a fitting space 48 for the mating of the other connector 100. Figure 3 As shown, when the other connector 100 is fitted into the fitting space 48, the locking arm 45 locks the other housing 112, keeping the housing 15 and the other connector 100 in a fitted state.

[0032] like Figure 5 As shown, a pair of mating recesses 49 are provided on the left and right sides of the front surface of the connecting portion 47, separated by the second portion 39. Additionally, a pair of through holes 51 are provided through the connecting portion 47. The front end of each through hole 51 opens inside (towards the front) of each mating recess 49. Sealing rings 12 are fitted into each mating recess 49 and each through hole 51.

[0033] The sealing ring 12 is made of silicone rubber or other rubber. Figure 1 As shown, the sealing ring 12 has: an annular ring body 52; and a pair of mating protrusions 53 protruding from the left and right sides of the rear end face of the ring body 52 (see reference). Figure 8 ); cylindrical insertion portions 54 protruding from the rear surface of each fitting protrusion 53; and protruding locking portions 55 extending radially outward from the rear end of each insertion portion 54. Figure 3 As shown, the ring body 52 is fitted around the outer periphery of the second part 39 and is radially compressed between the second part 39 and the opposing housing 112. Figure 8As shown, each fitting protrusion 53 engages with each fitting recess 49 from the front. Although not shown, the insertion portion 54 is inserted into the through hole 51. The protruding locking portion 55 is locked onto the rear surface of the connecting portion 47. Thus, the sealing ring 12 is prevented from disengaging from the connecting portion 47.

[0034] The first inner conductor 18, the first dielectric 19, and the first outer conductor 21 constituting the first terminal portion 16 are all formed in a shape that extends in the vertical direction. The first inner conductor 18 is formed by bending a sheet of conductive metal, etc. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the lower end of the first inner conductor 18 is crimped to and connected to the core wire 213 exposed at the end of the shielded wire 200 due to the removal of the insulator 212. The upper end of the first inner conductor 18 is open forward (hereinafter referred to as "the open portion of the first inner conductor 18"), receiving and contacting the second inner conductor 22.

[0035] The first dielectric 19 is made of insulating resin. The first dielectric 19 is formed in a cylindrical shape, closed at the upper end and open downward. The first inner conductor 18 is inserted into and housed inside the first dielectric 19 from below. The rear end of the second inner conductor 22 is electrically connected to the first inner conductor 18 through an opening 56 formed at the upper end of the first dielectric 19.

[0036] like Figure 7 As shown, the first outer conductor 21 is a die-cast part made of conductive metal, and is constructed as a cast part. The first outer conductor 21 is formed in a cylindrical shape. Figure 3 As shown, an insertion hole 57 extending vertically is provided inside the first outer conductor 21. The upper end of the insertion hole 57 is closed at a position near the upper end of the first outer conductor 21. The lower end of the insertion hole 57 is open on the lower surface of the first outer conductor 21. The cross-section of the inner circumference of the insertion hole 57 is circular except for the head 58 described later. The cross-section of the inner circumference of the insertion hole 57 in the head 58 is square. Figure 8 As shown, locking protrusions 59 are provided on the left and right opposing surfaces of the inner periphery of the insertion hole 57 in the head 58. A first dielectric body 19, which holds the first inner conductor 18, is inserted into the insertion hole 57 of the first outer conductor 21. The locking protrusions 59 lock the pair of left and right recesses 61 formed on the first dielectric body 19, thereby holding the first dielectric body 19 in the first outer conductor 21.

[0037] like Figure 3 As shown, the portion of the end of the core wire 213 connected to the first inner conductor 18 extending downward from the first dielectric 19 is surrounded by a spacer 62 made of insulating resin. The end of the core wire 213 is insulated from the first outer conductor 21 by the spacer 62.

[0038] like Figure 7 As shown, the first outer conductor 21 is constructed by a head 58 disposed at the upper end and a main body 63 extending vertically directly below the head 58. The diameter of the outer periphery of the main body 63 is smaller than the diameter of the outer periphery of the head 58. A plurality of surrounding ribs 64 are provided on the outer periphery of the main body 63 at intervals in the vertical direction. The shielding portion 214, such as the braided wire, exposed at the end of the shielded wire 200 due to the removal of the sheath 211, covers the outer periphery of the main body 63 and is fixed by the surrounding ribs 64 when clamped between the crimping member 65 (described later) and the main body 63 (see reference). Figure 10 A pair of positioning portions 66 are provided on the left and right end faces of the main body 63. Each positioning portion 66 is formed in the shape of a square block and is positioned above each of the surrounding ribs 64. Figure 1 As shown, the positioning part 66 engages with the positioning part 67 of the pressing member 65, which will be described later.

[0039] The crimping member 65 is formed by bending a conductive metal sheet, etc. The crimping member 65 is in the shape of a cover. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the crimping member 65 is arranged across the main body 63 of the first outer conductor 21 and the sheath 211 of the shielded wire 200. The outer peripheries of both the main body 63 and the sheath 211 are covered by the crimping member 65. The upper part of the crimping member 65 is crimped to the main body 63 over the shielding portion 214 of the shielded wire 200. The lower part of the crimping member 65 is directly crimped to the sheath 211 of the shielded wire 200. A pair of left and right positioning portions 67 are provided at the upper end of the crimping member 65. Figure 1 As shown, the positioned portion 67 is open to the front. By engaging with each positioned portion 67, the positional displacement of the crimping member 65 relative to the first outer conductor 21 is suppressed.

[0040] like Figure 7 As shown, the head 58 is shaped to extend radially outward from the lower main body 63 via a downward-facing stepped surface 68. The upper surface of the head 58 is flat in both the front-back and left-right directions. A positioning protrusion 29, which appears cross-shaped when viewed from above, is provided on the upper surface of the head 58. The first outer conductor 21 is positioned in the first receiving chamber 25 by engaging the positioning protrusion 29 with the positioning recess 28.

[0041] like Figure 7 As shown, the outer periphery of the head 58 passes through the forward-facing front face 69 (see reference). Figure 1 It is composed of a rear face 71 facing backward and a pair of side faces 72 facing left and right. Each side face 72 is a curved surface that appears as an arc when viewed from above. Both the front face 69 and the rear face 71 are end faces along the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0042] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, a fitting hole 73 extending in the front-rear direction is provided inside the head 58. The cross-section of the inner circumference of the fitting hole 73 is circular except for the lower end cut portion that communicates with the cutout 41 (see reference). Figure 8 ).like Figure 1 As shown, the front end of the fitting hole 73 opens at the front end 69. The rear end of the fitting hole 73 communicates with the upper end of the insertion hole 57. Figure 10 As shown, the rear end of the second outer conductor 24 engages with the fitting hole 73 of the first outer conductor 21 from the front.

[0043] like Figure 7 As shown, the first outer conductor 21 has a rib 74 protruding from the rear portion 71 of the head 58. The rib 74 is formed in a shape extending vertically along the left and right central portions of the rear portion 71. The rear end face of the rib 74, except for the locking portion 75 described later, is arranged vertically and horizontally. The upper end face of the rib 74 is positioned below the upper surface of the head 58. The upper end face of the rib 74 slopes downwards towards the rear. The lower end face of the rib 74 is connected to the stepped surface 68 at the same height. The left and right end faces of the rib 74 are arranged vertically and horizontally along the front-back direction. The left-right width of the rib 74 is constant and slightly smaller than the groove width of the groove 36 formed between the guide portions 35 of the housing 15. Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the rib 74 is engaged with the groove 36 between each guide portion 35.

[0044] like Figure 7 As shown, the first outer conductor 21 has a recessed locking portion 75 formed by cutting away a portion of the rib 74. The locking portion 75 is formed at the midpoint (middle portion) of the rib 74 in the vertical direction, with the entire width of that portion cut away. The inner side (rearward-facing surface) of the locking portion 75 is positioned rearward than the rearward portion 71 along both the vertical and horizontal directions. The inner upper surface (downward-facing surface) of the locking portion 75 is positioned along both the front-back and horizontal directions. The inner lower surface (upward-facing surface) of the locking portion 75 slopes downward towards the rear. In short, the locking portion 75 is formed to match the shape of the locking portion 37. Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the locking part 37 is engaged with the locked part 75.

[0045] The second inner conductor 22, the second dielectric 23, and the second outer conductor 24 constituting the second terminal portion 17 are all shaped to extend in the front-to-back direction. The second inner conductor 22 is formed by bending a conductive metal sheet, etc. The second inner conductor 22 is formed into a tubular shape. Figure 3As shown, the front end of the second inner conductor 22 receives the tab-shaped or pin-shaped counterpart inner conductor 113 of the counterpart terminal 111 and is electrically connected to the counterpart inner conductor 113. The rear end of the second inner conductor 22 contacts the upper end of the first inner conductor 18 and is electrically connected to the first inner conductor 18.

[0046] The second dielectric 23 is made of insulating resin. The second dielectric 23 is formed into a cylindrical shape extending in the front-to-back direction. The second inner conductor 22 is inserted into and held therein by the second dielectric 23. The front end of the second inner conductor 22 is disposed inside the second dielectric 23. The rear end of the second inner conductor 22 protrudes rearward from the second dielectric 23.

[0047] The second outer conductor 24 is formed by bending a conductive metal sheet, etc. The second outer conductor 24 is formed in a cylindrical shape, surrounding the outer periphery of the second dielectric 23 (see reference). Figure 1 ).like Figure 3 As shown, the front end of the outer periphery of the second outer conductor 24 is fitted into the opposite outer conductor 114 of the opposite terminal 111 and electrically connected to the opposite terminal 111. The rear end of the outer periphery of the second outer conductor 24 contacts the inner peripheral surface of the fitting hole 73 and is electrically connected to the first outer conductor 21.

[0048] Next, the assembly sequence and function of the connector 10 in Embodiment 1 will be explained. First, the first inner conductor 18, the first dielectric 19, the spacer 62, the first outer conductor 21, and the crimping member 65 are assembled to form... Figure 1 The first terminal portion 16 is shown. Here, the shielded wire 200 extends downward from the first terminal portion 16. The sealing plug 13 is fitted onto the outer periphery of the shielded wire 200. The second inner conductor 22, the second dielectric 23, and the second outer conductor 24 are separately assembled to form... Figure 1 The second terminal portion 17 is shown. In this embodiment 1, a sealing ring 12 is pre-installed on the housing 15.

[0049] The first terminal portion 16 is inserted from below into the first receiving chamber 25 of the first part 27 of the housing 15. In the final stage of the insertion process of the first terminal portion 16 into the first receiving chamber 25, the rib 74 is inserted into the groove 36. At this time, the left and right end faces of the rib 74 are positioned relative to the left and right sides of the groove 36 in a contactable manner, thereby suppressing the rotation and tilting of the first terminal portion 16 about the axis (about the Z-axis). Through further insertion of the first terminal portion 16 into the first receiving chamber 25, the upper end face of the rib 74 slides and rests on the lower end face of the locking portion 37. Furthermore, after the elastic deformation of the rear wall portion of the first part 27, the locking portion 37 is engaged with the locked portion 75 (here, a press-fit engagement). Thus, as... Figure 9As shown, the upper surface of the locking portion 37 is positioned in a contactable manner relative to the inner upper surface of the locked portion 75, preventing the first terminal portion 16 from falling downward from the first receiving chamber 25. Furthermore, when the locking portion 37 is inserted into the locked portion 75, the lower surface of the locking portion 37 is positioned in a contactable manner relative to the inner lower surface of the locked portion 75, and the front surface of the locking portion 37 is also positioned in a contactable manner relative to the inside of the locked portion 75.

[0050] As the locking portion 37 engages with the locked portion 75, the positioning protrusion 29 engages with the positioning recess 28 from below. This prevents further insertion of the first terminal portion 16 into the first receiving chamber 25, thus storing and holding the first terminal portion 16 within the first receiving chamber 25. With the first terminal portion 16 stored in the first receiving chamber 25, as... Figure 8 As shown, the opening 56 of the first dielectric 19 and the open portion of the first inner conductor 18 communicating with the opening 56 are arranged facing the second receiving chamber 26 via the fitting hole 73. The sealing plug 13 is housed in the lower end of the first receiving chamber 25, and the sealing plug pressing member 14 is assembled to the lower end of the first part 27 (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0051] From the above-described position, insert the second terminal portion 17 from the front into the second storage chamber 26. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the rear end of the second outer conductor 24 fits into the fitting hole 73 from the rear end of the second receiving chamber 26 and contacts the inner circumferential surface of the fitting hole 73. Thus, the second outer conductor 24 is electrically connected to the first outer conductor 21. The rear end of the second inner conductor 22 contacts the upper end of the first inner conductor 18 from the opening 56 of the first dielectric 19 through the open portion of the first inner conductor 18. Thus, the second inner conductor 22 is electrically connected to the first inner conductor 18.

[0052] In this embodiment 1, the first outer conductor 21 is positioned in the first receiving chamber 25 to connect with the second outer conductor 24 by being locked by the locking part 75 and the locking part 37. This ensures a good connection between the second outer conductor 24 and the first outer conductor 21. Since the first inner conductor 18 is disposed inside the first outer conductor 21, a good connection between the second inner conductor 22 and the first inner conductor 18 can also be achieved. In particular, because the rib 74 is fitted into the groove 36, the rotation and tilting of the first outer conductor 21 around its axis in the first receiving chamber 25 are suppressed, thus ensuring that the fitting hole 73 of the first outer conductor 21 is correctly oriented towards the direction where the second outer conductor 24 can be received.

[0053] Next, connect connector 10 to connector 100. For example... Figure 3As shown, the counterpart housing 112 is fitted into the fitting space 48 of the housing 15. The counterpart housing 112 is locked by the locking arm 45 and is prevented from disengaging from the fitting space 48. The sealing ring 12 is compressed and held between the counterpart housing 112 and the second part 39. The sealing ring 12 provides waterproofing between the counterpart housing 112 and the housing 15. The counterpart outer conductor 114 enters between the second part 39 and the second outer conductor 24 and contacts the outer peripheral surface of the second outer conductor 24. Thus, the counterpart outer conductor 114 and the second outer conductor 24 are electrically connected. In addition, the counterpart inner conductor 113 enters the interior of the second dielectric 23 and contacts the front end of the second inner conductor 22. Thus, the counterpart inner conductor 113 and the second inner conductor 22 are electrically connected.

[0054] When the opposing housing 112 is fitted into the fitting space 48 of the housing 15 and when the second terminal portion 17 is fitted into the fitting hole 73 of the first terminal portion 16, a force is applied to the first terminal portion 16 to press it toward the rear surface of the first receiving chamber 25 of the first portion 27. A locking portion 37 and a locked portion 75 are provided on the front end side of the opposing housing 112 and the second terminal portion 17 in their respective fitting directions. The locking portion 37 is formed to protrude forward from the rear surface of the first receiving chamber 25. The locked portion 75 is formed to be recessed forward from the rear end face of the rib 74. Therefore, when the opposing housing 112 is fitted into the second portion 39, the mutual fitting of the locking portion 37 and the locked portion 75 can be deepened.

[0055] As described above, the connector 10 of this embodiment 1 includes a housing 15 and terminals 11 housed in the housing 15. The housing 15 has a first housing chamber 25 extending in a vertical direction (first direction) and a second housing chamber 26 extending from the first housing chamber 25 in a forward direction (second direction) intersecting the first direction. The terminals 11 have a first terminal portion 16 housed in the first housing chamber 25 and a second terminal portion 17 housed in the second housing chamber 26. The second terminal portion 17 is connected to the first terminal portion 16. A locking portion 75 is provided on the rearward (opposite to the second direction) surface of the outer surface of the first terminal portion 16. A locking portion 37 that locks with the locking portion 75 is provided on the forward (second direction) surface of the inner surface of the first housing chamber 25 of the housing 15. When the first terminal portion 16 and the second terminal portion 17 are not housed, i.e., when the housing 15 is a single unit, the locking portion 37 can be visually confirmed through the second housing chamber 26.

[0056] By engaging the locking portion 37 with the locked portion 75, loosening of the first terminal portion 16 relative to the housing 15 is suppressed. For example, by holding the first terminal portion 16 in a predetermined position without loosening relative to the housing 15, the connection between the first terminal portion 16 and the second terminal portion 17 can be properly made. In addition, since the locking portion 37 can be visually confirmed through the second storage chamber 26, a complex sliding mold structure is not required when molding the locking portion 37 using a mold, and a structure that does not produce an undercut in the housing 15 can be achieved. If a structure that does not produce an undercut is formed, no demolding opening caused by an undercut will be formed on the surface of the housing 15, thus ensuring the waterproofness of the connector 10.

[0057] The locking portion 37 is formed in the housing 15 in a shape that protrudes forward (in the second direction). The locked portion 75 is formed in the first terminal portion 16 in a shape that is recessed forward (in the second direction) so as to fit with the locking portion 37. Thus, when the second terminal portion 17 is inserted into the second storage chamber 26, the first terminal portion 16 can be pressed in the direction that deepens the fitting of the locking portion 37 and the locked portion 75 (pressing from the front as the fitting side), thereby maintaining the locking of the locking portion 37 and the locked portion 75.

[0058] A rib 74 extending in the vertical direction (first direction) is provided on the surface where the locking portion 75 is located. The locking portion 75 is formed in a recessed shape such that a portion of the rib 74 is cut off in the middle. A groove 36 extending in the vertical direction (first direction) is provided on the surface where the locking portion 37 is located. The locking portion 37 is formed in a protruding shape such that a portion of the groove 36 is filled in the middle. The rib 74 is engaged with the groove 36.

[0059] By engaging the rib 74 with the groove 36, rotation (tilt) of the first terminal portion 16 relative to the housing 15 in a direction intersecting the vertical direction (first direction) can be suppressed. Since the locking portion 75 is contained in the middle of the rib 74, the locking portion 75 and the rib 74 can be provided in the first terminal portion 16 with good space efficiency. Similarly, since the locking portion 37 is contained in the middle of the groove 36, the locking portion 37 and the groove 36 can be provided in the housing 15 with good space efficiency.

[0060] A pair of guide portions 35 extending side-by-side in the vertical direction (first direction) are provided on the surface of the housing 15 where the locking portion 37 is located. A groove 36 is provided between the pair of guide portions 35. Thus, the forming position, length, and depth of the groove 36 can be arbitrarily adjusted according to the arrangement and shape of each guide portion 35.

[0061] The first terminal portion 16 is a shielded terminal having a first inner conductor 18, a first dielectric 19, and a first outer conductor 21. The first outer conductor 21 is a conductive rigid body made of die casting, and the locking portion 75 is fixedly provided to the first outer conductor 21 without opening a hole in the first outer conductor 21. Since the locking portion 75 can be provided to the first outer conductor 21 without opening a hole in the first outer conductor 21, the shielding performance of the first outer conductor 21 can be ensured. Especially in the case of this embodiment 1, without the need for bending processing such as stamping, the locking portion 75 can be precisely provided to the first outer conductor 21 by casting processing.

[0062] (Other embodiments of this disclosure) It should be considered that the above-described embodiment 1 disclosed herein is illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. In the case of Embodiment 1 described above, the first outer conductor is a cast part made of die casting. In contrast, according to other embodiments, the first outer conductor may also be a machined part formed by cutting. In the case of Embodiment 1 described above, the locking portion is formed in the housing in a shape that protrudes forward (in the second direction), and the locked portion is formed in the first terminal portion in a shape that is recessed forward (in the second direction). In contrast, according to other embodiments, it is also possible to reverse the situation described in Embodiment 1, in which case the locking portion is formed in the housing in a shape that is recessed forward (in the second direction), and the locked portion is formed in the first terminal portion in a shape that protrudes forward (in the second direction). In the case of Embodiment 1 described above, the connector is a waterproof connector having a sealing ring and a sealing plug, etc. In contrast, according to other embodiments, the connector may also be a non-waterproof connector without a sealing ring and a sealing plug, etc. In the case of Embodiment 1 described above, the wire connected to the first terminal is a shielded wire with a shield. In contrast, according to other embodiments, the wire connected to the first terminal may be a regular sheathed wire or the like without a shield. When the wire does not have a shield, the first outer conductor and the first dielectric can be omitted from the first terminal, and the second outer conductor and the second dielectric can be omitted from the second terminal. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0063] 10… connectors 11…terminal 12… Sealing ring 13…Sealing plug 14…Sealing plug press element 15…shell 16…First terminal section 17…Second terminal section 18…First Inner Conductor 19…First Dielectric 21…First outer conductor 22…Second inner conductor 23…Second Dielectric 24…Second outer conductor 25…First Storage Room 26…Second Storage Room 27…Part 1 28…Location recess 29…Positioning convex part 31…protruding part 32…Maintenance Department 33…Pressing component body 34… Locking arm 35…Guidance Department 36…groove section 37… Locking part 38…Guide and Connection Department 39…Part Two 41…Incision 42…protrusions for preventing rotation 43…fitting cylinder 44… Drum section 45… Lock the arm 46… Window 47…Connecting Section 48…Matching Space 49…Fitting recess 51…through hole 52… Ring main body 53…fitting convex part 54… Insertion Section 55…Extend the locking part 56…Opening 57…Insert Hole 58…head 59…stop protrusion 61…recess 62…spacer 63…Main Body 64…circular ribs 65…Crimped components 66… Positioning Department 67… Positioning Department 68… Step surface 69…front section 71…back face 72… Side view 73…fitting hole 74…ribs 75… Stuck section 100… Partner Connector 111… the other terminal 112… Opposite shell 113…Other party's inner conductor 114…Other outer conductor 200… shielded wire 211…Sheath 212…Insulator 213…core wire 214… Shielding (e.g., braided wire)

Claims

1. A connector, wherein, The connector has a housing and terminals housed within the housing. The housing has a first storage chamber extending along a first direction and a second storage chamber extending from the first storage chamber into a second direction intersecting the first direction. The terminal has a first terminal portion housed in the first storage chamber and a second terminal portion housed in the second storage chamber. The second terminal portion is connected to the first terminal portion. A locking portion is provided on the outer surface of the first terminal portion, facing a direction opposite to the second direction. A locking part is provided on the inner surface of the first storage chamber of the housing, facing the second direction, to lock with the locking part. When the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion are in an unstored state, i.e., when the housing is a single unit, the locking portion can be visually confirmed through the second storage chamber.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The locking portion is formed in a shape that protrudes in the second direction or is recessed in the second direction. The locking portion is formed in a shape that is recessed in the second direction or protruding in the second direction so that it can be engaged with the locking portion.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein, A rib extending along the first direction is provided on the surface where the locking portion is located. The locking portion is formed in a recessed shape by cutting off a portion of the middle of the rib. A groove extending along the first direction is provided on the surface where the locking portion is located. The locking portion is formed in a shape that protrudes in such a way that it fills a portion of the middle of the groove. The rib engages with the groove.

4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein, A pair of guide portions extending side-by-side along the first direction are provided on the surface where the locking portion is located. The groove is disposed between the pair of guides.

5. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first terminal portion is a shielded terminal having a first inner conductor, a first dielectric, and a first outer conductor. The first outer conductor is a conductive rigid body made of die casting or machined parts. The locking part is fixed to the first outer conductor in such a way that it does not have an opening in the first outer conductor.

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